Eco-friendly flooring can refer to any flooring option that is environmentally friendly. This can be in the manufacturing of the flooring, the materials it is made from, health benefits it provides, and the practices of the company which makes it. Many eco-friendly flooring makers use multiple means of ensuring their products do not harm the environment.
Often, eco-friendly flooring refers to that which is made from renewable resources. Hardwoods, for instance, typically take many years to grow to maturity and are not easily replenished once the trees are cut down and made into flooring and other materials. Other sources, such as bamboo, are considered fully renewable because they grow back quickly and are not considered endangered. Some species of bamboo, for example, take only seven years to reach peak maturity and hardness.
Other examples of eco-friendly flooring are those which are manufactured using environmentally friendly means. This can include companies which find ways to cut down on energy usage while crafting the floor materials, those who avoid harsh chemicals in the manufacturing process and as preservatives on their flooring, and businesses that used recycled materials or recycle their leftover materials. These are all ways a flooring company can be more eco-friendly.
Eco-friendly flooring also includes using organically grown materials, such as carpeting which is made from organic textiles. This means that no pesticides and other harmful additives were used in the growing process. By using organic materials, flooring companies support suppliers who offer quality products while encouraging other businesses to start offering organic alternatives.
There are many benefits for consumers as well as the environment of buying eco-friendly flooring. Fewer resources are used or polluted, leading to greater sustainability of natural resources. Flooring that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals may also provide health benefits due to less offgassing of fumes. Some carpeting is made from materials which may also be naturally allergen resistant to help with seasonal or indoor allergy symptoms.
To find eco-friendly flooring, one can perform an online search for the type of flooring desired and email manufacturers to ask about how products are made. Some home improvement stores are also beginning to offer more environmentally friendly products, so this is also an option. If no products are labeled specifically as “eco-friendly,” there are typically options which are better for the environment than others. For instance, using carpet or ceramic may be better than using real hardwood flooring.